The Independent by The Biggar Independent

Vol. 112 No. 06

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

Frozen Feathers . . . With the cold weather descending upon the province, these we avian denizens were busily feasting last Friday before the cold finally hit. The massed swarm of songbirds were an incredible sight and one we hope to see when it warms up! (Independent

Photo by Kevin Brautigam)

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22 -- THE BIGGAR,SK SK THE INDEPENDENT, INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR,

Biggar figure skaters are still taking to the ice, gracefully gliding and swooping their way around the Jubilee Stadium. There are restrictions limited numbers, masks, et cetera - but the skaters are still taking in lessons and getting in some much needed exercise.

(Independent Photos by Kevin Brautigam)

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 3

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

RCMP looking for suspect involved in Biggar thefts Biggar RCMP are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a female suspect regarding a theft from a vehicle parked on the 400 block of Second Avenue East in Biggar. The theft took place between the hours of 7 and 8:30 p.m. on January 28. The suspect later used a stolen credit card to make purchases at a business in Perdue. Anyone with informa-

tion regarding this theft or any unsolved crime is asked to contact the Biggar RCMP at 306-9486600 or Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477 or by e-mail. When using crime stoppers you will remain anonymous and you will not have to go to court. If your information leads to an arrest and conviction, you will receive a cash reward.

Biggar Fire Department Report The Biggar Fire Department responded to three calls in the month of January. There was one false

alarm, one investigation request, and one structure fire. Certainly, a quieter start to 2021.

Biggar RCMP are hoping the woman in this picture can be identified with regards to a recent theft. (Submitted Photo)

Mosquito First Nation to receive $127 million Mosquito Grizzly Bear’s Head Lean Man First Nation will receive $127 million for land lost to the federal government a century ago. In a decision, January 18, Justice Harry Slade awarded the First Nation, situated 62 kilometres north of Biggar, money for the land lost in 1905 5,800 hectares. In a statement, Chief Tanya Aguilar-Antiman said they are “deliberating possible options for (its) best interest.” Mosquito’s land claim against the federal government has been more than two decades in works, filed in 1995. The

First Nation purported to have had the land illegally taken, a claim the federal government denied. However, in 2017, the feds admitted the land was illegally taken. Justice Slade said the lost land accounted for about

two-thirds of the reserve, leading to a “permanent alienation of Treaty reserve land.” The decision was dictated by the land’s loss of use value at $111,433,972, and its market value of around $15.5 million.

Chief Tanya Aguilar-Antiman. (Submitted Photo)

Biggar RCMP report by Sgt Dean Kabaroff, Biggar Detachment Commander The Biggar RCMP responded to 44 calls for service area over the last two weeks. These include harassing communication, mischief and one person was charged with impaired operation. There were 88 vehicles stopped for driving infractions, resulting in 37 tickets and 36 written warnings being issued. Biggar RCMP continue to get calls from people in the area regarding fraudulent phone scams. Again some include receiving a call from the Canadian Revenue Agency stating there are warrants out for their arrest to someone encouraging them via

e-mail to purchase gift cards and sending them the card number. These are 100 per cent scams and people should hang up, delete the e-mail and report the incident to the anti-fraud section. Police want to remind people to never provide strangers banking or personal information out over the phone or in general. Police are reminding everyone during the cold weather when starting your vehicle and warming them up you should not leave your vehicle running, unlocked and unattended with your keys in the ignition. Running unsecured vehicles in the winter or any time become easy targets for people to steal them.

On Friday February 5, 2021, police attended a call of a vehicle having its windows smashed out in the alley behind the 300 block of Eighth Avenue West in Biggar. This act of mischief would have taken place between 10 and 11 p.m. Anyone with information regarding this mischief or any unsolved crime is asked to contact the Biggar RCMP at 306-948-6600 or Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477 or by e-mail. When using crime stoppers you will remain anonymous and you will not have to go to court. If your information leads to an arrest and conviction you will receive a cash reward.

Council Minute highlights The regular meeting of Biggar Town Council was held January 19, at 7:15 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Attending the meeting were Mayor Jim Rickwood, Aldermen Alan Boyle, Nicole Hoppe, Kevin McNicholls, Edward Young, and Ivan Young. Council resolved that Bylaw No. 21-833, being a bylaw for the Establishment of an Emergency Measures Organization be read three times and adopted. Council resolved that the Administrator’s Report be accepted as presented by the Chief Administrative Officer, Marty Baroni. The Community Development Officer’s Report

to January 19, 2021 as presented by Community Development Officer, D’Shae Bussiere, and the Town Foreman’s Report to January 15, 2021 as presented by Town Foreman, Mark Haynes, were also accepted by Council. Council resolved that Town Foreman, Mark Haynes, be authorized to purchase a Schulte SKX117 Snow Blower from Flaman Sales Ltd. in the amount of $19,269.60. Council resolved that the following financial reports for December 2020, be accepted as presented: Bank Reconciliation; Statement of Financial Activities. Council resolved that the General Accounts

Paid in the amount of $107,336.30, and the General Accounts Payable in the amount of $289,088.25, be approved. Council resolved that the following communications be accepted for Council’s information and filed: Commissionaires - January 7, 2021 Bylaw Report; West Central Municipal Government Committee - Annual Report; Claims Pro - Claim Update; Municipalities of Saskatchewan - Board of Director’s Report; Saskatchewan Health Authority - COVID-19 Testing; Sask 1st Call - Annual Report; NDP House Leader - Bill C-213.

Council resolved that the Corporation of Biggar, Saskatchewan supports the 2021 Census, and encourages all residents to complete the census questionnaire. Council resolved that a two-year tax exemption for Lots 7-8 Block 8 D4770 for the municipal portion, be approved as indicated: 2021 - 100 per cent; 2022 - 100 per cent. Council resolved that the following be transferred to reserves for 2020: Infrastructure $167,000; Environment - $24,000; Sick Payout - $4,000. Council resolved that following be transferred from reserves for 2020:

Curling Rink - $20,000. Council resolved that the Town of Biggar grant permission to the Biggar Recreation Valley for their annual Biggar and District Agricultural Days to be hosted in June 2021, and furthermore, that all Public Health procedures and regulations be followed for the event. Council resolved that the Town of Biggar donate

to the Biggar Recreation Valley for their Biggar and District Agricultural Days in the amount of $700 for a Platinum sponsorship. Council resolved that the Certificate of Insurance covering bonding through the SUMAssure for the year 2021, be accepted. • Meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.

Numbers for FEBRUARY 11 B10 - N36 - N45 - G56 - O74

Opinions

4 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

Time to combat the COVID-19 narrative of fear

by Lee Harding, research associate, Frontier Centre for Public Policy Coronaphobia may not have entered our official vocabulary but it deserves to. Virus fears have affected public policy and our daily lives. The condition is held by a great number of people. It’s understandable why the elderly and immunosuppressed are worried. What is less understandable, and more ironic, is how many coronaphobics are on the political left. After all, the left loves to smear the politically incorrect with labels such as xenophobic, homophobic, transphobic and Islamophobic. Their opponents may not actually be motivated by irrational fear and panic, but the terms are effective tools to ostracize and dismiss such people. Coronaphobia is one exception where the fear is irrational. Unfortunately, truth can’t jar the perception of some, like a skinny anorexic who always sees a hopelessly

the

fat person in the mirror. Let’s recap. In March, faulty projections of massive deaths based on a dubious model scared politicians worldwide into drastic measures. Canadian leaders were told 326,000 could die before the end of the year, a number that would drop to 46,000 with a “75 per cent reduction in interpersonal contact rates.” As of Feb. 3, there were just over 20,000 COVID19 deaths reported in Canada. But what does that really mean? Dr. Vinita Dubey, Toronto’s associate medical officer of health, told the Toronto Sun that under provincial guidelines, “individuals who have died with COVID19, but not necessarily as a result of COVID-19, are all included in the case counts for COVID-19 deaths.” Deaths by COVID19 are remarkably rare compared to deaths with COVID-19, according to an analysis by the Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention in the United States. The CDC reported in August, “For six per cent of the deaths, COVID-19 was the only cause mentioned. . . For deaths with conditions or causes in addition to COVID-19, on average, there were 2.6 additional conditions or cases per death.” COVID testing has greatly increased lately, producing the appearance of a second wave, and case counts nearly twice as high as the first. The reality is less stark. Deaths by people with COVID19 (again, not solely from COVID-19) didn’t hit 35 any day last fall. Yet every day between April 17 and May 20, they were 100 to 176. This suggests the mortality rate from COVID19 just fell to one-sixth of its previous levels. Either herd immunity is taking hold or this second wave is not nearly as bad as it appears. Or maybe not all that many people have contracted the virus. Results from the PCR test are flimsy. Barbara

Federal government failing Canadians on vaccines For most people, eagerly awaiting vaccination and a return to normal, I’m betting we are in for a bit of a wait. You see, our government, under the guidance of Justin Trudeau, has allowed Canada to fall to 28th place in the world for vaccine doses administered. With no domestic production of vaccines, we have to get in line, wait and hope there will be enough for us polite and kindly Canadians. Admittedly, previous government’s have failed to set up infrastructure to produce vaccines. It was hard to justify doing so when their was nary a sniffle of world-wide pandemic. So blaming Justin solely for the woeful state of affairs is unfair. But when Pfizer halted production of their vaccine, our Glorious Leader sat “umming” and “ahhing”, failing to pick up the phone and voice our country’s concerns to the Pfizer bigwigs. Oh, eventually he called - too little, too late. All the other countries secured assurances of shipments when production resumed. Earlier this month, the European Union’s rewrote their export controls, possibly leaving Canada cut off once again. They assured us that they wouldn’t but that could change if shipments take another delay. Under the new export controls, EU member states receive preferred access to vaccines. If there is another slow down, Canadians won’t be rolling up their sleeves. Amongst the G7 countries, Canada is near the bottom. Only Japan is last, and only because infection rates were low. Japan is also moving to produce vaccine domestically. Canada? Eventually we will produce vaccines, just not soon enough. This woeful response to the pandemic is pitiful and weak. But what would you expect from Justin? The guy who has abandoned the two Michaels in China, SNC Lavalin, Kokanne Grope, dancing like a buffoon in India, Blackface . . . you know, all his greatest hits. And he wants an election. We are being ruled by a kid who treats national and international politics like he’s in high school and is the SRC President - oh, he’s gonna make those jocks pay! Meanwhile, we are receiving vaccines from a fund that helps developing countries. How pathetic is that? We are going to be in this horrible situation for some time, and Justin and his merry band of Liberal elite need to be held to task. K.B. Yaffe, Ontario’s associate chief medical officer said, “If you’re testing in a population that doesn’t have much COVID, you’ll get false positives up to half the time.” In the Hans Christian Andersen tale, the emperor might have had some clothes – such as his underwear. Similarly, the impact of COVID-19 is much more skimpy than most believe. Unfortunately, the politicians and media that bought the narrative of fear don’t have the ability or courage to stop it – especially when social media giants censor messages that don’t align with the latest missives from the World Health Organization. Author Mark Twain said it best in his 1906 autobiography. “The glory which is built upon

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a lie soon becomes a most unpleasant incumbrance. . . How easy it is to make people believe a lie, and how hard it is to undo that work again!” Not everyone believes the hype. In Canada and the United States, one segment of voters is clearly more coronaphobic than the other. In September, pollster Angus Reid found 26 per cent of NDP voters and 29 per cent of Liberal voters would be “completely comfortable” voting in person in a federal election, compared to 66 per cent of Conservatives. In the United States, a Harris poll found 42 per cent of Democrat voters felt “somewhat” or “very” comfortable to vote at the polls during the pandemic, compared to 72 per cent of Republicans. The consequences of

coronaphobia are even worse for the economy. An analysis of September data showed that nine of the 10 states with the lowest unemployment rates voted for Republican Donald Trump in 2016. By contrast, nine of the 10 states with the highest unemployment rates voted for Democrat Hillary Clinton. Since September 2019, unemployment in Republican states rose less than 2.7 percentage points, while in Democratic states, they rose by almost five points. Thankfully, coronaphobia can be beaten. An effective treatment has been found in wellinformed, critical and rational thought, combined with a healthy skepticism of politicians, mainstream media and the medical industry.

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COPYRIGHT The contents of The Independent are protected by copyright. Reproduction of any material herein may be made only with the written permission of the publisher. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Biggar Independent invites the public to participate in its letters to the Editor section. All letters must be signed. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.

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THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 5

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

Taken to the Legion

Notable Notes Bob Mason

A co-worker once said to me, “Bob. I hear you were an old soldier during the war! I am going to take you to the Legion sometime!” “Oh, that is okay,” I said. “You don’t have to take me!” That was that, I thought, but some time later, he drove into my yard! “Let’s go!” he said. “I am here to take you to the Legion on the fact that you fought the war for me!” I put on my jacket and we drove off. We were near a big city and were part way there when suddenly he spoke. “Darn it!” he said. “When I changed my pants, I left my wallet in

my other pair - I’ve go no money!” “Oh, that’s okay,” I said. “I have a few dollars in my pants!” “But I was going to take you!” he said. “You can’t take me!” “But I can take you,” I told him. “I am a member!” “How many guests can you take?” he asked. “Four or so,” I told him “Maybe we should take my folks and their friend,” he said. We dropped in and picked up his “guests”. We spent every cent that night on his family and friends while he “took me” to the Legion. I don’t think he ever mentioned it again or asked me to go to the Legion again, but we sure celebrated the old soldier who had climbed Kapelsche Veer for them! Y.T. (Yours Truly) has often thought about that night when he was “Taken” to the Legion. I wonder who was the sucker?! I don’t know, but there are a lot of graves in Europe and an awful lot of men who were “taken,” eh?

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6 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

British teen wakes from 11-month coma, has no clue about the pandemic

Man recovers wallet lost in antarctica 53 years ago You may be someone who needs strategies for keeping track of their possessions. Or you’ve gone through life having never lost your phone while it’s in your hand. There are those of us in the world who are always looking for something – wallet, keys, sunglasses, et cetera. We don’t carry much cash or hold too tightly to sentimental objects because you never know when you will put them down and lose them forever. Or just a really long time. Like fifty years. Paul Grisham of Monterey, California, lost his wallet in Antarctica back in 1958. First, that’s a hell of a place to lose something. Second, that’s a very long time ago. As a Navy meteorologist, his assignment in the 1950s was Operation Deep Freeze, providing support for civilian scientists. Grisham had forgotten about the lost wallet but got a kick out of its surprisingly wellpreserved contents. Inside was a driver’s license (couldn’t have

needed that in Antarctica), his Navy ID card, and a beer ration punch card. There was also a guide for what to do during an atomic exploding, chemical weapon attack, or even biological weapon attack. It must have felt like a portal into the past for him to glimpse himself from the fifties, when he was newly married, with two toddlers at home. Grisham’s first wife passed away in 2000, so his second wife, Carole Salazar, shared in the memories with him. His wasn’t the only wallet recently uncovered in Antarctica. A new generation of scientists found them back in 2014, behind a locker during demolition on Ross Island. Social media connects groups of amateur sleuths across great distances. When researchers discovered the wallets, they sent them to their former co-worker, Stephen Decato. He and his daughter, Sarah Lindbergh, earned a reputation as finders when they returned a Navy ID brace-

let years prior. Lindbergh got in touch with Bruce McKee, who runs a non-profit focused on highlighting the accomplishments of the “greatest generation.” McKee found the Naval Weather Service Association, of which Grisham was a member. It was no small amount of effort that strangers put into reuniting Grisham with a long-lost possession. The demolition team could have just as easily left it buried in Antarctica. Or Decato, Lindbergh, and McKee could have just shrugged it off and tossed it. We all feel so disconnected from the past. The poignancy of loss is universal and so close to the surface that there’s a compulsion to return, to reunite – even if we don’t know the person. It’s a small thing, but laden with optimism, that a life left buried in the barren snow and dirt of Antarctica can once again be marveled over on a kitchen table in Monterey.

Lady smuggled cacti and gets sentenced Of all the things you could smuggle in, you would think you wouldn’t choose something uncomfortable, you know? Not this lady though, nope, she smuggled cacti. New Zealand authorities have sentenced this woman for the smuggling. Wenqing Li, 38, pleaded guilty to violating biosecurity laws after getting caught, twice, with plants and seeds at the Auckland International Airport. She had just returned home from a trip to China, according to New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Business Industries. Li’s sentence was intensive supervision for 12 months, and 100 hours of community work.

The smuggled cacti incident took place on March 24, 2019. Li had just under 1,000 succulents and cacti, in stockings, attached to her body. The plants were valued at over $10,000. The smuggled cacti included eight endangered and threatened species. Li tried to get rid of them at the airport in the toilets, after attracting attention from a detector dog. In another incident on July 23, Li was found in possession of 142 seeds hidden in the packaged iPad covers in her luggage. She also had pot plants and ornaments, which contained a snail and a piece of tree fern . They were found wrapped in moldy, wet

paper, which was noted as a potential source of disease. New Zealand was not the place to try to smuggle cacti and succulents, as the island nation has some of the world’s strictest biosecurity laws to protect its agriculture and biodiversity. “This sentencing serves as a good reminder that anyone who smuggles plants or other endangered species into New Zealand can expect to be prosecuted,” said Simon Anderson, the investigations manager for the MPI department’s northern region. Authorities say the woman was a trader and seller of succulents on TradeMe, a classified website similar to Craigslist.

Ever heard it said about someone who’s metaphorically living under rock that it’s a rock worth living under? Here’s a great example of that saying taken to the extreme. In a disastrous accident, a British teen was hit by a car in early 2020 and slipped into a coma. He has finally regained consciousness but with one significant non-medical side effect. Joseph Flavill was blissfully unaware that the coronavirus pandemic had shut down the world. Really, the most surprising thing is he didn’t just choose to return to the void after learning what a nightmare 2020 had been. On March 1, 2020 – three weeks before the UK went into its first lockdown - Flavill was on his way to the Buckingham Palace to receive a Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The prize is handed out to youths who successfully com-

plete a series of self-improvement exercises. So clearly, the 19-yearold UK air force cadet was a stand-out young man. Unfortunately, he never arrived at the award ceremony. A car hit Flavill, and the teen suffered a massive traumatic brain injury. He fell into a coma that he wouldn’t emerge from for the next 11 months. And when he finally did, the world just wasn’t the same anymore. The most interesting – and horrendous, when you think about it – fact about Flavill’s case is that he actually caught the disease he didn’t even know existed. Twice. He suffered his first coronavirus infection while he was still in the coma. He caught the ‘Rona the second time just after he had started showing signs of life again. Luckily, even a comatose Flavill was too tough for COVID to break. Despite his two corona cases, his

mother said in a public update on his condition that Flavill has awoken and started his recovery process. But Flavill’s path to recovery has been far from easy. When he first returned to the waking world, he was only staring at the ceiling. “At first his eyes were open but he wasn’t responding to anything, but over the last few weeks he’s taken amazing steps,” said his aunt Sally Flavill-Smith. But perhaps the biggest hurdle Flavill is facing is getting his injured head around the pandemic. His family said that they’re not quite sure how to explain the events of the past year to him. “We … don’t know how much he understands as his accident was before the first lockdown and it’s almost like he has slept through the whole pandemic,” Flavill-Smith said.

Turkmenistan’s oddball president declares new National Holiday… for his favourite dog breed Do you like dogs? Do you really, really like dogs? Are you so completely obsessed with a single dog breed that you erected a giant solid gold statue of it? If you answered no, good news – you’re probably not completely off your marbles. But the same can’t be said about the president of Turkmenistan. Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov has ruled the Central Asian country since 2006, and he loves Alabai dogs. In fact, he’s so crazy about the shepherd dog breed that he just declared a new national holiday in their honor. From now on, on the last Sunday of every April, the people of the ex-Soviet nation will praise the Alabai breed for all its done. Turkmenistan has a centuries-old herding

tradition, and the dogs have definitely come in handy over the ages. President Berdymukhamedov’s son, Serdar, is the head of the international Alabai dog association. He told local news outlets that the new holiday would feature a beauty contest and agility competitions, among other things. It’s a bit odd to have a public holiday for a dog breed, but hey — the good dogs have definitely earned it. That said, Berdymukhamedov’s obsession with the Alabai doesn’t end with the holiday. And it certainly didn’t start with it, either. Ever since his ascension to power, the president has lavished a whole variety of outlandish commemorations on the dogs. Perhaps the most striking example is the statue we

mentioned. In Turkmenistan’s capital Ashgabat stands a gilded statue of an Alabai dog. Unveiled in 2015, the 19-foot tall statue’s stand features an LED screen displaying videos of the breed’s accomplishments. At the unveiling ceremony, one lucky boy received his very own Alabai puppy. Any kid would probably be overjoyed about getting a dog, but that probably applied double here – the Alabai is an officially listed as Turkmenistan’s national heritage, after all. Berdymukhamedov has also used less formal channels to tell his country – and the world – how much he likes the Alabai. In 2014, he wrote a book about the dogs, for example. He has also written songs – including raps – about the Alabai.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

Agriculture

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 7

3 col/6

A trip down

CHASE THE ACE

Memory Lane

Agriculture Calvin Daniels

by Calvin Daniels There are assignments that when you have been at the job of journalist for more than 30-years become rather reflective events. Such was the case last week attending a press conference in Yorkton to announce work was about to begin to demolish the Yorkton Exhibition Grandstand, replacing the core seating with new. Now you might wonder how a grandstand demolition would cause reflection, but like many in the city I have spent a lot of time watching events on the old wooden plank seating. In fact, in my personal case the memories go back years before I ever moved here to take up a position as a reporter at the then Enterprise newspaper.

My first memories of this city come from the days my dad showed livestock at the summer fair, and I tagged along, eventually taking to the showring myself. If you attend summer fairs, and for communities across the Canadian Prairies they have long been part of the local culture, grandstands are a central fixture of the events. People gather at the grandstand for various fair events; over the years in Yorkton that has included quarter horse racing, rodeos, concerts, motorcycle trick riding, standardbred racing, chuckwagon racing and the list goes on. Attending the fair for years with livestock when that was still a big part of the event, dad and I watched a lot of events on the grandstand in Yorkton; in Melfort, Prince Albert, Connaught, Golburn, Saskatoon and Nipawin. Those performances part of my summer holidays, as it would be for many readers too. There were memories made at Invermay Fair and Kelliher and others too, the fairs always seeming central to our

lives. In my case though, I met a gal at Yorkton fair one summer, and grandstand performances were courting events, and after marriage, something we did together. We eventually parted ways, but two great kids suggest we did all right when together, and that old grandstand that is being torn down is part of those memories. As it has been for myself and Mrs. Number Two as well. So many Friday evenings spent watching the standardbreds pace before adjourning to the backstretch to mingle with friends made on the fairgrounds. Funny thing, my second wife and I had our first outing at the fairgrounds too, taking in a concert a the Agripavilion, and since we have attended too many events at the fairgrounds to even remember. A new grandstand is needed, and it will serve the city well, just as they do in communities across the country, with fairs being a huge part of that heritage, but I doubt the new one will quite have the magic of the old one for me.

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Our constituency office is here to assist with government services and programs. Please contact us by phone or email to maintain social distancing. Call the HealthLine - 811 if you are experiencing symptoms and require medical advice For the latest information on COVID-19 visit www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19 Public inquiries may be emailed to COVID19@health.gov.sk.ca For general not health-specific inquires related to COVID-19 call 1-855-559-5502 The Business Response Team can be reached at 1-844-800-8688, emailing support for business@gov.sk.ca or by visiting www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-businesses Information on support for workers who have had their employment impacted by the current economic situation is found at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-workers

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8 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

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The Saskatchewan Traveller

by Trudy and Dale Buxton Our journey continues on Highway 55 heading west, first stop along the way is the community of Peerless. Peerless is a small hamlet, with a small population and is on the interThe cooler is stocked section of Highway 26 and ready to go and 55. You can go to the south to Loon Lake or to the north to Goodsoil, west to Pierceland and east to Meadow Lake, it is the crossroads to the 1/4 Page area. To the north we have the community of Goodsoil. Goodsoil is the Central Gateway into Meadow lake Provincial Park and is a full service community with a population of around 300 people. Goodsoil has a historical museum listed as a heritage property,the museum has an array of exhibits including “Erna’s Doll House” a collection of over 2,300 dolls new and old. Did you know that Goodsoil is the home of NHL player Ron Greschner who played 982 games Come in and g with the New York Rangn i check out some t Star ers and Adam Fetsch who amazing gifts at is in the Saskatchewan for your 0 0 Hall of Fame for his con. $79 Valentine!! tributions in baseball. 1/4Goodsoil Page enjoys many 217 Main St. • Biggar 306-948-2452 recreational activities that are available year Open: Mon - Fri • 9a.m. - 5:30p.m. Sat • 9a.m.- 5p.m. round. Next up down the highway heading west we come into the Village of Pierceland. Pierceland has a population of around 500 people. The community is known as the Western Gateway to Meadow Lake Provincial Park. Pierceland has a variety of businesses and services as well as endless recreational opportuniRoast Beef - $17.95 each ties. If you like outdoor Yorkshire Pudding activities Pierceland is a Mashed or Baked Potato place to go. Along with the village Vegetables and Gravy Pierceland is also the Choice of Soup or Tossed Salad administrative centre for the Big Island Cree Chicken Cordon Bleu - $17.95 each Nation. Lorna Heiber born in Mashed or Baked Potato Pierceland was the first Vegetables and Gravy woman to lead an AborigChoice of Soup or Tossed Salad inal Government in Sas-

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katchewan. She served as Acting President of the Metis Nation under the name of Lorna Docken. Next up we cross the border into Alberta and find ourselves in the city of Cold Lake. Cold Lake named after the nearby lake has a population of around 15,000 people. Cold Lake is a full service community and is the home of Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake, one of importance in air force bases in the Canadian military. Every year Cold Lake hosts military forces from around the world for training and exercises. Pilots and support staff of NATO allies take advantage of the Air Weapons Range that is nearby. These annual exercise contributes large amount of dollars in the community.

CFB Cold lake is also home to “Race the Base” which is a fundraiser for “Soldier On”, where exotic cars race against CF-18 fighter jets. This would be an experience to see. The nearby lake straddles the Alberta/Saskatchewan borders and has endless amounts of recreational activities, it has around 24 species of fish and is a major ice fishing lake in the winter. Did you know that the “Wolverine” character from the famed X-Men series was born as James Howlett from around Cold Lake? There are many things to do while visiting in Cold Lake such as museums, golf in the summers or just enjoying the activities available in and around the city. Stay tuned for more adventures.

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 9

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

Valentines traditions from around the world

Valentine’s Day is celebrated across the globe. Come Valentine’s Day, candy, flowers and other gifts are exchanged between sweethearts in one of the many traditions associated with the holiday. The origins of Valentine’s Day are largely unknown. Some suggest Valentine’s Day was initially a way to honour St. Valentine on the anniversary of his death. Others believe it was the Christian church’s way of Christianizing the Pagan celebration of Lupercalia, a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture. Regardless of its origins, Valentine’s Day is now celebrated by millions and is one of the retail industry’s most lucrative shopping holidays. Many different traditions can be linked to Valentine’s Day. Here is a list of the interesting ways Valentine’s Day is celebrated across the globe. South Korea In South Korea, men get to enjoy the spotlight on Valentine’s Day, as women bestow gifts of chocolate on them. In return, a month later men reciprocate with gifts for women on White Day. South Koreans take Valentine’s Day a step further on Black Day, which falls on April 14. This is an

opportunity for all single people who may not have received Valentine’s Day gifts to gather at restaurants and eat a dish called “black noodles” as they celebrate their singleton status. Denmark and Norway These Scandinavian countries didn’t really celebrate Valentine’s Day until recently, but have now put their own spin on the traditions. Men write funny poems or rhyming love notes called Gaekkebrev and send them to women anonymously. Women must try to guess their admirers by counting dots that are put on the note that correspond to the number of letters in the man’s name. Estonia In Estonia, Valentine’s Day is a day more devoted to friendship than romantic love. It is called “Sõbrapäev” in Estonian, which translates to “Friend’s Day.” Cards and gifts are exchanged among friends. Wales In Wales, Valentine’s Day is not celebrated. Rather, the Welsh commemorate St. Dwynwen’s Day, who is their patron saint of lovers on January 25. It is customary to gift love-spoons, a tradition that likely stems from the practice of sailors carving intricately decorated spoons of wood and pre-

senting them to women they were interested in courting or marrying. France Considered to be one of the most romantic countries in the world, France can be an ideal place to participate in Valentine’s Day traditions. The French have an old custom called “une loterie d’amour,” which is a drawing for love. Single men and women of all ages once entered houses that faced one another and took turns calling out to one another to find romantic matches. The men could refuse the match and leave the woman looking for another man to call on. Women who were not paired up would light a bonfire and damn the men who rejected them. The French government eventually banned the practice because of rowdy

crowds. Italy Italian lovers celebrate Valentine’s Day in much the same way as Americans. One interesting Valentine’s tradition in Italy is locking padlocks to different structures, which is called “Lucchetti dell’Amore (locks of love).” Couples attach the locks to bridges, railings and lamp posts, inscribe their names and throw away the key. The action suggests the couple will be together forever.

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How to make cut flowers last longer

What would Valentine’s Day be without a beautiful bouquet of flowers? In addition to chocolate, cards and dining out, flowers - particularly roses - are among the most popular gifts. According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, 58 per cent of American men and 16 per cent of American women were projected to buy flowers for Valentine’s Day 2016, spending a total of $1.9 billion. Similar spending is predicted for in 2017. Flowers of all shapes, sizes, colours, and aromas can make popular gifts this February. Prolonging the life of beautiful blooms is a priority for those who want their Valentine’s Day arrangements to endure for as long as possible. Florists and other experts differ with regard to the best methods of preserving flowers. Here are some ideas to try. Trim stems before immersing in water The natural emollients and sap in the stems of flowers may cause a film to form over the bottom of the stem after it is initially cut. This can reduce the flower’s uptake of water. To alleviate this, cut the stems once the flowers are home. A 45-degree angle allows for the absorption of the most water. You can recut them at each water change as well. Clean vases of bacteria

Be sure that vases or other vessels you use to hold flowers are completely clean. Bacteria can cause the flowers to decompose prematurely. Use a diluted bleach-andwater solution to clean vases thoroughly between uses. Watch flower placement Sunlight and heat may dry out the blooms. Prolong the life of flowers by placing them in the darkest, coolest area of the home. Treat the water To preserve flowers, do your best to reduce bacteria, provide a food source for the flowers and manage the pH so that the uptake of water will continue to be strong. Sugar can be an adequate food source. Gardenista, a floral arrangement and gardening resource, tested a variety of methods for preserving flowers and found much of the same results across the board. These included vinegar and sugar, conventional flower food, bleach, aspirin, and a penny. The bleach, aspirin, copper penny, and vinegar work as antibacterial agents. The sugar and the plant food help nourish the blooms. In the trials, most of the blooms remained strong for three to four days. Purchase immature blooms Although many desire an arrangement of all opened flowers, bouquets

that have some closed buds or those that are just beginning to peek out will likely last longer than bouquets that have already bloomed. The flowers will continue to open and wilting flowers can be removed to make room for the others. Keeping Valentine’s Day flowers looking fresh and vibrant takes a few steps. By being diligent, that floral arrangement can last for several days.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

Record Saskatchewan to all the fantastic people agricultural exports in 2020 who work in the

2020 was a record year for agricultural exports in Saskatchewan, helping the province lead the nation in growth of overall export sales over the previous year. Saskatchewan produced $16.9 billion in agricultural exports last year, a 31 per cent increase from 2019 and a new high for the province. This represents more than 55 per cent of total provincial exports in 2020, which were valued at $30.4 billion. This helps bring the province closer to meeting its Growth Plan goals,

include growing agricultural which industry agri-food exports to $20 billion and increasing we say thank you for the agriculture value-added revenue to $10 billion by bountiful harvest

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2030. These strong export numbers also reinforce Saskatchewan’s global reputation as a dependable source of safe, highquality resources, goods and products. Overall merchandise export sales in 2020 were more than $30 billion, up 2.5 per cent over 2019, the highest percentage 1/4 Page increase among the provinces. On a national basis, exports were down 12.2 per cent over the same period. Leading agriculture exports in 2020 continue to be canola seed, non-durum wheat, lentils, canola oil and durum wheat. “The global COVID19 pandemic has hit all economies hard worldwide, but these export numbers are strong signs our province is in a positive position for economic recovery in 2021,” Trade and Export Devel-

opment Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “With our world-class and growing export base, we have what the world wants and needs, and it will continue to drive investment and jobs for communities right across Saskatchewan.” In 2020, major increases in exports were seen in farm and intermediate food products; forestry products and building and packaging materials; and industrial machinery, equipment, and parts. Saskatchewan’s top international markets for 2020 include the United States, China, Japan and India. Saskatchewan agri-food export destinations are diverse in nature. Top markets for Saskatchewan agri-food exports in 2020 were the United States, China, Japan, India and Mexico. “Saskatchewan producers grow safe, high-quality food that the world needs and our agriculture exporters remain com-

Due to COVID-19 please call Jen at 306-948-4460 to make an appointment or leave your documents in our Office dropbox at the New Horizons Building

We are very pleased to introduce Jocelyn Poletz, our new Regional Manager for the Perdue area. She is excited to meet the Perdue branch ŵĞŵďĞƌƐ͘ ^ƚĂƌƟŶŐ ŝŶ DĂƌĐŚ͕ :ŽĐĞůǇŶ ǁŝůů ďĞ ƐƉĞŶĚŝŶŐ DŽŶĚĂǇƐ ĂŶĚ tĞĚŶĞƐĚĂǇƐ ŝŶ WĞƌĚƵĞ͘ KŶĐĞ Ks/ ƌĞƐƚƌŝĐƟŽŶƐ ƉĞƌŵŝƚ ƐŚĞ ƉůĂŶƐ ƚŽ make farm visits a priority. Please don’t hesitate contact Jocelyn directly: Cell 306-951-7929 / Or you can call the Perdue Branch 306-237-9200 :ŽĐĞůǇŶ ŐƌĞǁ ƵƉ ŽŶ Ă ĨĂƌŵ ŶĞĂƌ &ŝƐŬĞ͘ ŌĞƌ ŐƌĂĚƵĂƟŽŶ͕ ƐŚĞ ĂƩĞŶĚĞĚ the University of Saskatchewan receiving a Commerce degree. She worked for Cargill for three years in agronomy, sales, and grain ŵĂƌŬĞƟŶŐ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞŶ ĂƐ Ă ZĞůĂƟŽŶƐŚŝƉ DĂŶĂŐĞƌ ĨŽƌ &Ăƌŵ ƌĞĚŝƚ ĂŶĂĚĂ in Rosetown for seven years. :ŽĐĞůǇŶ ĂŶĚ ŚĞƌ ŚƵƐďĂŶĚ 'ĂƌƌĞƚ WŽůĞƚǌ ŽǁŶ ĂŶĚ ŽƉĞƌĂƚĞ Ă ĐĂƩůĞ ŽƉĞƌĂƟŽŶ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ ŝŐŐĂƌ ĂŶĚ ZŽƐĞƚŽǁŶ͘ dŚĞǇ ŚĂǀĞ ƚŚƌĞĞ ǇŽƵŶŐ daughters, Haylee, Hannah and Houstyn. In 2019, they purchased their home in Biggar and she started at Biggar and District Credit Union in the Member Account Manager role.

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mitted to providing the world with these products,” Agriculture Minister David Marit said. “I want to commend our producers on their hard work and resilience, which led to a new record in agri-food exports for 2020.” Increases in primary production as well as a growing value-added sector have contributed to the record agri-food export growth in Saskatchewan. In 2020, value-added exports were $3.2 billion. Canola oil, canola meal and processed oats were our top value-added products. Currently, the Government of Saskatchewan is working to open three new trade offices in Singapore, Japan and India in 2021 to support increased export diversification. The new offices will complement the existing trade office in China, and continued access to Asian markets will benefit our key economic sectors.

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 11

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

Sports Curling addicts finally getting their fix

Penton on sports Bruce Penton

After almost a full year without their drug of choice, thousands of Canadians will finally be able to get their fix, starting this weekend. Live curling is back! Like a heroin addict having his or her supply suddenly cut off, Canadian curling fans who might spend up to 12 hours a day in front of their television sets watching the world’s best curlers in action were forced to go without when COVID-19 swept the globe last spring. The competitive season was nicely under way, with Kerri Einarson of Gimli, Man., winning the Scotties, and Brad Gushue of St. John’s, NL taking the

Brier. Next stop for both: The Worlds! Einarson and her rink, in fact, had already travelled to Prince George, B.C., for the 2020 world championships when the event was cancelled. Gushue and his mates got the word about their competition’s Glasgow, Scotland cancellation before they had to leave the east coast. Since then, in the world of curling, almost nothing. No Grand Slam events, a handful of modified provincial playdowns, nothing on TV except reruns for former curling championships. It’s hard to get excited about Kevin Koe trying a double-angle raise takeout when it happened two years ago and you have already seen the shot, and memorized the rock splatter, four or five times. But starting this Friday, 16 of the best women’s rinks in Canada will gather in a ‘bubble’ at the Markin McPhail Centre in Calgary and play for more than a week to

determine a 2021 Scotties’ champ. TSN and veteran broadcaster Vic Rauter will be on hand to call all the shots, and for thousands of Canadian curling fans, it will be like a salve on a sore wound, a warm drink to ease a sore throat. It will be like a starving man given a big steak with fried mushrooms or a crying baby sucking on a bottle of warm milk. Two weeks later, starting on March 5, the men will go at it at the 2021 Brier. Same site, same rules. The addicts - primarily elderly Canadians, according to viewership data -will get their fix, as long as the ‘bubble’ works the way it’s intended. No infections, no interactions with people on the outside - a clean setting to allow the sport, and its fans, return to some sort of normalcy. As for the Scotties and Brier winners? The women’s worlds, originally scheduled for Switzerland in late March, have

been cancelled, while the Brier champ returns to the Markin McPhail Centre in April for the world championships. Curling addicts everywhere are hoping for great ice, tight competition, good TV reception - and no infections. • Patti Dawn Swansson, aka the River City Renegade, on the person who took a post-fight swing at Mike Tyson while the former champ was signing autographs following his recent fight with Roy Jones Jr.: “No arrests have been made, but police are searching for a man who’s lost his mind.” • RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “Some words of advice to any San Antonio Spur contemplating divorce. Remember the alimony.” • Joel Beall of golfdigest. com, on course conditions at the 2020 Memorial tournament: “Its greens (were) playing like trampolines with rough so tall and thick that search parties are still looking

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for Danny Willett after a missed fairway.” • Toronto media guy Gord Stellick, on Twitter: “There is no truth to rumour that next COVID protocol step has NHL players to be dropped off by parents 30 minutes before game time with skates tied up and skate guards on.” • Steve Simmons of Sunmedia: “The McGill hockey team turns 144 years old on Sunday. And no, Jaromir Jagr hasn’t been there since the beginning.” • RJ Currie again: “COVID shutdowns forced Cirque de Soleil to declare bankruptcy. There haven’t been so many clowns not working this side of the Jacksonville Jaguars.” • Headline at dark.com: “The drop kick remains in the NFL’s official rule book. Not sure about the PGA.” • Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times: “Sure sign you’re in a hard-core Steeler fan’s bathroom: Terrible Towels, Steel Shower Curtain and a toi-

let upgrade affectionately known as Super Bowl II. • Bengals rookie QB Joe Burrow, via Twitter, on EA Sports College Football being resurrected after seven years: “All I ever wanted was to be on the cover of this game, and as soon as I graduate they bring it back.” • Bob Molinaro of pilotonline.com (Hampton, Va.) on the bright side of ex-Mariners ace Felix Hernandez - who just signed with the Orioles - opting out of the 2020 season: “With 500 days between starts, he should be well-rested.” • Dwight Perry again: “This 135th edition of Groundhog Day at Gobbler’s Knob in Pennsylvania broke with tradition last week when: a) it was done virtually because of COVID-19; b) Punxsutawney Phil emerged with an N95 mask on; c) they changed the prediction to six more years of bad Jets football.” Care to comment? E-mail brucepenton2003@ yahoo.ca.

12 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

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REAL ESTATE

Shoreline Realty

Cari Perih ®

REALTOR

Cell: 306-948-7995 Office: 306-867-8380 carip@remax.net

www.SoldbyCari.ca homesforsale@soldbycari.ca

Acres of Expertise.

Dave Molberg

Farm & Acreage Salesperson (306) 948-4478 dave.molberg@hammondrealty.ca HammondRealty.ca

BIGGAR INDEPENDENT BOX 40 BIGGAR, SK. S0K 0M0 306-948-3344 tip@sasktel.net SUBSCRIPTION RATES…per year ONLINE… $40.00 + $2.00 gst = $42.00 Inside 40-mile Radius… $45.00 + $2.25 gst = $47.25 Outside 40-mile Radius… $50.00 + $2.50 gst = $52.50

spentorentirely with family and friendsUrla is just what the Thanks 951-7700 doctor ordered. Cherish 948-3344 this time and appreciate the opportunity to enjoy it with those you love.

take up much of your time this week, Virgo. Surround yourself with other spiritual people or examine your faith more deeply on your own.

What’s on your mind ?

Send your comments or concerns to

tip@sasktel.net or Drop a note off at 122 Main Street

All letters need to be addressed by the person sending the concern. Don’t be shy let us be your voice.

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK-13

LIBRA – Sept 23/ Oct 23

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Libra, a change of scenery can be just what you need. A day trip to enjoy the great outdoors can prove refreshing and provide some new perspective.

It is alright if it seems like you’re a beat behind everyone else this week, Capricorn. You will catch up soon enough and others are more than capable of picking up the slack.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, a new person in your life proves invigorating. Foster this relationship and be grateful for the opportunity to invite a new person into your life.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, a new hobby piques your interest. Introduce others to this activity and enjoy pursuing this newfound passion with someone you care about.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 An attraction to someone you meet this week catches you off guard, Aquarius. Forge ahead and explore these feelings if your situation allows.

PISCES – Feb 19/ Mar 20 Offer support to a friend in need, Pisces. This generous offer will be much-appreciated and you will reap the rewards as well.

14 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

BIGGAR INDEPENDENT ONLINE

COMING EVENTS

Biggar Museum & Gallery, Friday, February 12, homemade pies for sale from 1:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. $13 each, limited number.

Deadline for Classiﬁeds is Monday at 5 p.m.

www.biggarindependent.ca

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

CARD OF THANKS Thank you to those who generously donated to Donor’s Choice this year. The Museum will continue to preserve, protect and present the history of our town and district.

FOR RENT Central Park Place

has apartments for seniors available in Biggar. Call 948-3901 or 948-7824

Charter/ Sherwood Apartments in BIGGAR

1 or 2 bedroom, heat and water supplied, wired for cable TV and satellite systems, laundry facilities, appliances, some suites with dishwahers, air conditioning, parking with plug-ins. For more information call: Risa Management at 306-665-2300 or Andre at 306831-4430

Looking for a part time Job ?

COMING SOON Paula will answer your questions.

JUST ASK PAULA

Do you like meeting people? Would you like to sell a product that helps families protect themselves? Lo-Cost Entry and Free Education For More Info:

dale@dtjssb.ca or

951-7700 948-3344

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

LAND FOR SALE LAND FOR SALE R.M. OF ROSEMOUNT No. 378 • NE 25-36-16-3 Assessment 32,400 • NW 25-36-16-3 Assessment 124,300 • SW 25-36-16-3 Assessment 146,400 • SE 26-36-16-3 Assessment 148,400 • NE 26-36-16-3 Assessment 157,400 • SW 36-36-16-3 Assessment 123,700 • SW 14-37-16-3 Assessment 186,600 • SE 14-37-16-3 Assessment 176,500 Highest or any offer will not necessarily be accepted Tenders will be considered for individual parcels or in combination. A non-certified cheque for 10% of the purchase amount must accompany the tender. Kindly contact Busse Law only if questions.

Please submit tenders to BUSSE LAW 302 Main Street, Box 669, Biggar, Sask. S0K 0M0 Phone: 306-948-3346; Fax 306-948-3366 Email: receptionbusselaw.net Closing date: February 19, 2021 at 5:00 pm

LAND FOR RENT LAND FOR RENT

3 year cash lease. Payments due April 1st and November 1st

R.M. of Grandview #349 SE 14-36-18-W3rd 143 Acres

(farm yard and pasture not included)

Deadline for Tenders:

February 22, 2021 Highest or any lease offer not necessarily accepted. Send Offers: Jayleen Miller Box 147 Landis, SK. S0K 2K0

Independent Classifieds

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 15

REFLECTIONS

by Pastor Ken Davidson, Perdue United Church Were you ever afraid of the dark? Many of us have been at one time or another! Often times looking into darkness can cause us to see things which are not really there! Complete darkness can actually disorientate us. We may feel vulnerable in the dark because we cannot see the pitfalls and obstacles in our path. The path is easy to navigate in the daytime but in the dark, not so much! It is fitting that the Bible uses darkness as a symbol for separation from God! Spiritual darkness can cause the same kind of darkness, disorientation and vulnerability as we try to find our way forward in our lives. The good news is that Jesus can find us in our darkness. Not only can He find us, but He

has the power to chase away the dark, because He is light. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord. For God who said “Let light shine out of the darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of knowledge of God’s Glory! He is pure light and in Him there is no darkness. Jesus lives to chase away our spiritual darkness. Jesus will keep working until the entire world is filled with light. Because Jesus shines, we will never again have to fear the dark. Now, because we tend to find ourselves in the dark on occasion, and seems that we often focus on the sad and disappointing things

that life has to offer. I am thankful for the fact that God saw fit to make a companion for man. It is also strange to me that for most people, we take a few times a year to celebrate Christ, and also only a few times a year to celebrate our wives. We know that Christ is light, and if you will admit it, our wives too are lights! How many times have you needed your wife to help you see the good and positive in certain things? So, as we approach February 14 and Transfiguration Sunday, let us be thankful for the day that Jesus shone brighter than the sun, and for our lovely, guiding wives. Happy Valentines. May God bless and keep you all safe. Amen!

NOTICE OF BY-ELECTION Rural Municipality of Glenside No. 377 PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that nomination of candidates for the office of: Reeve will be received by the undersigned on the 3rd day of March, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and during regular business hours on Friday, February 12, 2021 to Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 at the municipal office. Nomination forms may be obtained at the municipal office. Dated this 11th day of February, 2021. Joanne Fullerton

Returning Ofﬁcer

ST. GABRIEL ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 109 - 7th Ave.W, Biggar

Father Edward Gibney

Parish Phone: 306-948-3330

3!452$!9 -!33 4)-% s P M SUNDAY MASS TIME s A M

OUR LADY OF FATIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH, Landis 35.$!9 -!33 4)-% s A M

Due to the pandemic, Presbyterians, Anglicans and Lutherans worship services are online until further notice. For pastoral services, or to be included in online worship, please phone Cindy Hoppe at 9482947 or John Bennett at 948-2852.

BIGGAR ASSOCIATED GOSPEL CHURCH Sunday Worship at 10:30 a.m.

312 - 8th Ave.W. and corner of Quebec St., Biggar

BIGGAR UNITED CHURCH 907 Quebec St./corner Turnbull Ave., Biggar

SUNDAY Services 11 a.m. Covid 19 Guidelines Apply Masks Required INQUIRIES CALL CHURCH OFFICE 306-948-2280 LEAVE MESSAGE

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SATURDAY SERVICES

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16 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

Saskatchewan records lowest unemployment rate in Canada

Scientists teach spinach to send e-mails Animals can be sur- ditions are fulfilled. prisingly smart. MamBut still, it’s groundmals, birds, octopuses, breaking in the sense that and even insects have a crop can now commuwowed people with some nicate with a farmer. impressing feats of intel- Jim “ThisReiter, is a novel MLAdemligence. onstration of how we Rosetown-Elrose Constituency But nobody would ever have overcome the plant/ 215 Main Street, Rosetown claim that plants are par- human communication Monday – Friday, 9:00 5:00 ticularly intelligent forms barrier,” the –spinach of life. Or so we thought, study’s lead author, proTel: 306-882-4105 until scientist taught spin- fessor Strano told Fax:Mark 306-882-4108 ach how to send e-mails. Euronews. Toll free; 1-855-762-2233 You read that right. So, spinach – or any Engineers from the Mas- E-mail: otherjimreitermla@sasktel.net vegetables for that 278, Rosetown SK S0L sachusetts Institute of Box matter – won’t be 2V0 filling Technology (MIT) have Please your with spam any call inbox with questions or concerns equipped spinach with time soon. But farmers the ability to fire off and environmentalists e-mails. could benefit from having Granted, saying that their plants talk to them. the spinach plant itself But how does spinach is sending the e-mail is e-mail actually work? The a bit of an exaggeration. spinach study is part of In reality, the plant is a field of research called hooked to a monitoring plant nanobionics. It device that fires off an sounds like something e-mail when certain con- from a B-class science fic-

Jim Reiter, MLA

Rosetown-Elrose Constituency 215 Main Street, Rosetown Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 5:00 Tel: 306-882-4105 Fax: 306-882-4108 Toll free; 1-855-762-2233 E-mail: jimreitermla@sasktel.net Box 278, Rosetown SK S0L 2V0 Please call with questions or concerns

Working with the local communities, Mid-Sask helps address the needs of local business through: • A combination of localized long range strategic planning • Counseling and business development • Financial assistance up to $150,000 to small, medium sized business and entrepreneurs Mid-Sask Community Futures 500 Progress Avenue, Box 176 Outlook, SK S0L 2N0 P: 306-867-9566 Fax: 306-867-9559 https://cfsask.ca/mid-sask

tion movie, but it’s a real the turning the nutritious field of study. leafy greens into power Plant nanobionics cells. involves the research and Shouzhong Zou, the engineering of electronic team’s lead scientist, systems and components explained that spinach that can be fitted into could be turned into carplants. Essentially, the bon nanosheets. They scientists are empower- could act as catalysts that ing plants with new abili- could make metal-air batties – by turning them teries and fuel cells more into cyborgs. efficient. In this Attention: case, though, batteries Kathie Metal-air Strano and hisyouteam could offerto alook more I gave a few variations at. enerdidn’t exactly turn spin- gy-efficient alternative to ach into the Borg. All they replace traditional lithilet me know whichbatteries. you prefer by is, did was fitPlease the plant with um-ion That an infraredreturn camera. your email and we canfuture get thissmartphone ad started When a spinach’s roots battery could include Thursday,called November 24.spinach in it. detect a compound some nanoaromatics in groundSpinach is a particuwater, thePrice: plant’s leaves option, $35.28 pluslarly gst perattractive week start emitting a specific explained Zou, since its signal. The camera picks high iron and nitrogen Talk and to you later, content makes it a great up the signal sends an e-mail. Urla Tyler, Advertising catalyst. So spinach is not Consultant But there’s more to only healthy, it’s energyspinach than just sending efficient. e-mails. Another research Imagine that. A spinachteam from the American powered future. What a University is looking into time to be alive.

The Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey released February 5 shows Saskatchewan’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in January 2021 was the lowest among the provinces at 7.2 per cent, and well below the national rate of 9.4 per cent. “The comparative performance of the Saskatchewan economy during the COVID-19 pandemic has been remarkable,” Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “Once again, Saskatchewan has the strongest jobs performance in the country and is leading in export growth as well. While Saskatchewan has not been immune to the global impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, our province has demonstrated incredible resiliency as we lead Canada’s eco-

nomic recovery.” Saskatchewan’s seasonally adjusted employment grew by 2,200 jobs (+0.4 per cent) on a month-tomonth basis. Statistics Canada also released 2020 Merchandise Exports figures Feb. 5, which had Saskatchewan ranked first among the provinces in percentage change with an increase of 2.5 per cent, compared to 2019. Saskatchewan merchandise exports were valued at more than $30 billion in 2020. Saskatchewan was one of only two provinces to grow their merchandise exports in 2020. The latest CFIB Small Business Recovery Dashboard update shows that Saskatchewan has the most private sector businesses fully open among major provinces at 76 per cent, compared to only 47 per cent nationally.

$1.5 million provided for targeted sector support Monday, Government Relations Minister Don McMorris 1/4 and Page the Targeted Sector Support (TSS) Steering Committee announced the second intake of municipal projects under the TSS Initiative, making more than $1.5 million of funds available to Saskatchewan municipalities. “The Government of Saskatchewan is happy to be partnering with our province’s municipal associations once again to provide support to

DEADLINE MONDAY 5 P.M.

municipalities across Saskatchewan,” McMorris said. “These additional funds will go a long way in promoting collaboration between Saskatchewan communities and help build on the strength of local governments as they serve their citizens.” The TSS Initiative provides cost-shared grants, up to 75 per cent on eligible costs, to municipalities partnering to

strengthen their core municipal responsibilities through projects focused on regional co-operation, capacity building and good governance. “Municipal Revenue Sharing is an important stream of funding for municipalities,” Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) President Ray Orb said. “We are pleased to see a second round of appli-

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cations for the Targeted Sector Support Initiative as SARM believes in the power of partnerships and funding projects that support inter-municipal co-operation will advance the sustainability of communities across the province.” The TSS Initiative receives $1.5 million each year from Municipal Revenue Sharing. Funding is administered by the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) on behalf of the TSS Steering Committee, which consists of representatives from SUMA, SARM, the Saskatchewan Association of Northern Communities (New North) and the Ministry of Government Relations. “As the voice of Saskatchewan’s hometowns, SUMA knows we work best when we work together,” SUMA President Gordon Barnhart said. “Funding through the TSS Initiative encourages joint municipal projects and fosters intercommunity co-operation, actions that add to the long-term sustainability and increase the quality of life in places we live, work and play.” The TSS Initiative was established following a review of the 2018-19 Municipal Revenue Sharing Program, with input from the municipal sector.